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Vegan Cashew Alfredo Pasta

This vegan Alfredo pasta features a silky, creamy sauce made from blended cashews and nutritional yeast, offering a dairy-free take on a classic comfort dish. The sauce is enriched with roasted garlic and brightened with lemon, resulting in a smooth, indulgent final texture with a fragrant aroma. Tossed with al dente pasta, it’s a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup raw cashews soaked at least 4 hours or quick-soaked for 30 mins
  • 2 cloves garlic whole cloves for roasting
  • 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast for cheesy umami flavor
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup plant-based milk unsweetened, warmed for blending
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting garlic and sautéing
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 12 oz pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine

Equipment

  • High-speed blender
  • Large pot
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Drain the soaked cashews and rinse thoroughly. Set aside.
  2. Place whole garlic cloves in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, then remove and set aside.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. In a high-speed blender, combine soaked cashews, toasted garlic, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, warmed plant-based milk, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1-2 minutes. If it’s too thick, add more plant milk gradually.
  5. Pour the sauce into a saucepan and warm over low heat. Stir constantly until heated through and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing gently to coat evenly. Cook together for 1-2 minutes to meld flavors and warm the pasta.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this creamy, dairy-free Alfredo with your favorite pasta.